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Kehrs Mill Pipeline Expansion Project

During the coming weeks and months, Laclede Gas crews are installing a new natural gas main over a four-mile stretch of Kehrs Mill Road, between Clayton and Strecker Road. We will continue to update you, as our crews install 21,000 feet of pipeline to continue providing safe, reliable natural gas service to the growing communities along Kehrs Mill.

Here are a few highlights of the work being done this week:

KEHRSGROVE DRIVE

Laclede crews finished installing steel pipe along Kehrsgrove Road and Kehrs Mill Road near Marquette High School. During the week of August 18, crews finished restoring the area by performing final grading. They back-filled trenches, added rock and gravel then poured concrete into open ditches. As a final step crews added dirt then laying down seed and straw. We request your help in watering the area if your yard has been affected. Watering every few days ensures your new grass will grow properly. It usually takes several weeks for the area to fill in, but consistent watering will help reduce the time it takes for your yard to return to its original state.

HORSESHOE RIDGE/KEHRS MILL ESTATE ROAD

Last month, Laclede crews installed steel pipe along Horseshoe Road and Kehrs Mill Estate Road. Next they back-filled trenches, adding rock and gravel then pouring concrete into open ditches. In July, crews began the restoration process of nearby road and landscape. During the week of August 25, crews are focusing on pipe tie-ins and backfilling a small portion of land at this intersection, this work is near completion. As a final step, they will restore any disturbed areas with dirt then laying down seed and straw.

DEL EBRO DRIVE/CLAYTON BROOK DRIVE

Laclede Gas crews successfully installed pipe along Del Ebro Drive and Kehrs Mill. Crews then advanced installation efforts towards Clayton Brook Drive and recently finished boring in the area. Next, they back-filled open trenches, adding loose rock/gravel then poured a concrete base into the ditch created. In recent weeks, crews repaired the road and sidewalks by adding asphalt to appropriate areas, followed by grass seed and straw.
The work at Del Ebro Drive and Clayton Brook Drive is complete. Crews will continue to monitor for additional restoration work if needed. We request your help in watering the area if your yard has been affected. Watering every few days ensures your new grass will grow properly. It usually takes several weeks for the area to fill in, but consistent watering will help reduce the time it takes for your yard to return to its original state.

KINGSPOINTE DRIVE

Laclede crews completed the welding process near Kingspointe Drive. Next, they fitted and installed main south towards Marquette High School property.
Throughout May and June, crews installed steel pipe along Kehrs Mills and bored through large areas of rock under Caulks Creek Bridge, successfully accessing the area pipes were placed. In early June, crews enlarged the holes and carefully guide pipes back and forth into the ground until it was safely lowered for installation. This process was completed underground, creating minimal impact and preserving landscape of the area. At the end of June, crews restored disturbed areas with dirt then laid down seed and straw as a final step.
Kingspointe Drive installation is near completion. During the week of August 25, crews are making final tie ins pipes and backfilling a small portion land at that intersection.

STRECKER ROAD

Laclede crews have resumed work at Kehrs Road and Strecker Road. During the week of August 25, they are laying two steel mains, both 12 inches in diameter. One steel main is the supply feeder and the other is the IP for the regulator station. Crews are advancing the project towards Goddard School.

CLARKSON ROAD

Pipe installation at Clarkson Road is complete. The week of August 25, crews will focus on final grading, they are backfilling open trenches at Clarkson road near Marquette High School. They will add loose rock and gravel areas that need it. As a final step crews will add grass seed and straw to the area, they will continue to monitor the nearby intersection for additional restoration work if needed.

BLUE HILL ROAD

Main installation and restoration of Blue Hill Drive is complete and crews have filled in areas along the installation path. Our crews have leveled out the dirt and smoothed terrain in the area. They have also used seed and straw to restore the area allowing new grass to grow. At the end of June, crews repaired the road and sidewalks in the area by pouring concrete as a final step. The work at Blue Hill Drive is now complete, they returned to some areas to add more seed and straw as needed.

Laclede crews will continue to monitor the area, available for additional restoration work. We request your help in watering the area if your yard has been affected. Watering every few days ensures your new grass will grow properly. It usually takes several weeks for the area to fill in, but consistent watering will help reduce the time it takes for your yard to return to its original state.

WILLS TRACE

Laclede crews successfully installed pipeline under Kehrs Mill near Wills Trace. They have also bored across the intersection and are headed south. In mid-July, crews completed tie-ins, successfully joining two primary parts of the pipe together. At the end of June, crews also restored disturbed areas with dirt then laid down seed and straw as a final step. The work at Wills Trace is now complete.Crews will continue to monitor for additional restoration work if needed. We request your help in watering the area if your yard has been affected. Watering every few days ensures your new grass will grow properly. It usually takes several weeks for the area to fill in, but consistent watering will help reduce the time it takes for your yard to return to its original state.

Special Notes

Gas has been turned on from Clayton Road to 2000’ west of Clarkson Rd. as crews nearly complete main installation in this area. As the project comes to a close, gas will be on throughout all the newly extended pipes.

Crews are working extended hours to complete this project quickly in the coming months. Some crews arrive as early as 6:00 A.M. and work late into the evening.

Summary

20,198 feet of the pipeline has been installed (80% complete) and Laclede crews are on track for similar progress in the weeks to come.

We understand the importance of this project, as it will impact the communities of Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, St. Louis County, Ballwin and Wildwood. With this in mind, we will be your ear to the ground and provide timely updates.

Be sure to check back with us for the latest and send any questions our way on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out what’s going on and how this project affects me?Laclede Gas is committed to providing our customers with the most up-to-date information, and updates can be found on this webpage. In addition, we will provide frequent updates on our Facebook and Twitter channels including safety information, project status and areas to avoid, such as street closures and detour options.

How long will the total project last?Laclede crews will be working at multiple sites throughout the process. To safely install four miles of gas mains and complete restoration efforts, the project could take up to nine months, depending on weather, ground conditions and other factors.

Will there be any interruption to gas service at my home?There will be no interruptions to your natural gas service. The construction is necessary for the development of our growing communities, so Laclede can continue to provide customers with access to safe, reliable natural gas service.

Do I need to contact Laclede Gas for any work at my property?There is no need to contact Laclede at this time. When we begin work on your street, you will receive a notice on your front door letting you know about upcoming work on your street.

Do I need to be at home when the work is being done?No, a Laclede Gas representative will contact you if any action is needed. If you have questions, please visit this webpage, reach us on social media or call our Customer Experience department at 314-621-6960.

Will traffic be blocked on my street?Yes, there may be times when equipment will temporarily block the street,but crews will be present to move it and allow you to pass.

What specific restoration efforts are included in this project?Laclede realizes many communities have recently built sidewalks and completed landscaping as part of new home developments. Affected lawn areas, sidewalks and pavement will be restored to the original condition as best as possible, specifically:

Sidewalks: crews will secure the area around the sidewalk until final repairs are made

Pavement: crews will temporarily fill the hole, or install a steel plate over the hole for safety purposes until final repairs are made

Shrubbery, flowers, plants etc.: crews will replant original shrubs, flowers, etc. to maintain the previous landscaping. In some cases, replacement items may be planted if necessary.

Lawn restoration: This is a two-step process. The “preliminary grading” effort includes backfilling the hole, resulting in a slight mound of dirt that allows the ground to settle and prevents soil erosion. The “final grading” process involves a separate visit in which our crews smooth out and clean up the area, plant grass seed and straw to complete the restoration process.

NOTE: After the affected area has been seeded, we will need your help in watering the yard every few days—ensuring your new grass will grow properly. It usually takes several weeks for the area to fill in, but consistent watering will help reduce the time it takes for your yard to return to its original state.

What about noise in my neighborhood?Our crews will be working extended hours, up to six days a week to complete the project on time. There may be early morning disruptions to break ground as early as 7:30 A.M., and we appreciate your patience as our crews perform the necessary construction work.

Laclede Gas is currently installing and replacing other pipelines across our service area. If you have questions about a Laclede crew in your area, ask us. You can reach us at 314-621-6960 or Facebook and Twitter.